Remove the membrane*: Peel off the silverskin from the back of the ribs.
Cut the rack of pork ribs into 2-3 sections so that it can fit into your air fryer basket.
Make the spice rub: In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper and cumin.
Season the baby back ribs: Pat the ribs dry and rub the ribs on all sides with the spice rub.
Cook the ribs in the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F/190°C for a few minutes. Once hot, place the ribs into the basket with the meat side down and cook for 15 minutes. (It’s important to let the air fryer to heat up first to avoid the ribs from sticking to the basket.)
Flip the ribs using kitchen tongs, and cook for 10 more minutes at 375°F/190°C.
Make the BBQ sauce: While the ribs are cooking, you can add bbq sauce ingredients in a saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved.
Brush with BBQ sauce: Remove the basket from the air fryer and brush generously with barbecue sauce on all sides.
Place the basket back in the air fryer and cook for 3-5 more minutes** at 400°F/200°C, or until the sauce has set and darkened slightly. (It may take more or less time based on the thickness or your ribs)
Remove the ribs from the basket and let them rest for 3-5 minutes so that the juices can redistribute through the meat. Feel free to brush with more barbeque sauce if you like.